Model year record

2012 GMC Savana recalls & problems

The 2012 GMC Savana has 7 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (2 complaints).

Recalls7safety recalls

Complaints3filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Electrical systemApr 6, 2023

Wiring

Recall 23V247000150,830 vehicles

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.
Risk: An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will properly seal the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left side B-pillar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222386050.

EquipmentApr 26, 2018

Equipment

Recall 18V2670006,154 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

Fuel system, otherAug 13, 2014

Fuel system, other

Recall 14V5000003,345 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.
Risk: A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.

Air bagsMar 17, 2014

Frontal

Recall 14V117000303,013 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk: In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.

Fuel system, otherMay 15, 2013

Fuel system, other

Recall 13V2250001,791 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.
Risk: A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.

SteeringMar 22, 2012

Gear box › Shaft pitman

Recall 12V1120006,159 vehicles

Problem: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND SUBURBAN VEHICLES, AND GMC SAVANA AND YUKON XL HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES. THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY HARDENED AND COULD FRACTURE.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 4, 2012.

Air bagsNov 8, 2011

Air bags

Recall 11V5430001,798 vehicles

Problem: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2011. THE SECOND STAGE OF THE DUAL-STAGE AIR BAG WILL NOT INFLATE IN A SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT. ACCORDINGLY, THE AIR BAGS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Risk: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIR BAG WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
Fix: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782 OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 GMC Savana Cargo G13405 VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2012 GMC Savana Cargo G23405 VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2012 GMC Savana Cargo G23705 VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2012 GMC Savana Cargo G33405 VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2012 GMC Savana Cargo G33705 VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2012 GMC Savana Cargo H13405 VAN AWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2012 GMC Savana Passenger 1500 VAN AWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	22.8%

2012 GMC Savana Passenger 1500 VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	27.9%

2012 GMC Savana Passenger 2500 VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	29.2%

2012 GMC Savana Passenger 3500 12 PASS VAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	29.2%

2012 GMC Savana Passenger 3500 15 PASSVAN RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	27.9%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Savana 1500 2WD (cargo)

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Savana 1500 2WD (cargo) FFV

15mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,450/year to fuel

Savana 1500 2WD Conversion (cargo) FFV

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Savana 1500 AWD (cargo) FFV

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Savana 1500 AWD Conversion (cargo) FFV

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Savana 1500 2WD (Passenger) FFV

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Savana 1500 AWD (Passenger) FFV

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) FFV

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) FFV

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 17 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.8 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) FFV

13mpg combined

City / highway	11 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Savana 2500 2WD Conversion (cargo) FFV

12mpg combined

City / highway	10 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel

Savana 2500 2WD (cargo) FFV

12mpg combined

City / highway	10 / 15 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
Air bags	2	—
Visibility/wiper	1	—
VisibilityPower window devices and controls	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Air bags
THE VAN IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD BUT HAS WELL OVER 36,000 MILES ON IT, SO IT IS OFF WARRANTY. THE PASSANGER SEAT IS RARELY USED BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE PASSANGER SIDE CAME ON INDICATING AIR BAG MAL-FUNCTION. THE DEALER WANTS $350 PLUS POSSIBLE HIGHER CHARGE IF DIFFICULTY ARISES IN REPLACING THE SENSOR. THIS IS REALLY A NON-WEAR ITEM.
Dec 19, 2014 · 69,837 miles
Air bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SAVANA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V117000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 10/23/14*CN
Aug 5, 2014
Visibility/wiper
THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. *TR
May 25, 2014 · 51,500 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.